Art: Studio Art BA, BFA

Studio Art BFA

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art is a professional program that emphasizes in-depth exploration, an interdisciplinary approach, conceptual inquiry, articulation skills, and personal direction. You'll choose a concentration: ceramics, digital media, graphic design, metalsmithing and jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture, and will take supporting courses in art history and a comprehensive foundations program consisting of courses in drawing, 2-D and 3-D design, and digital media.

Studio Art BA

In the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Studio Art program you will choose a concentration in ceramics, digital media, graphic design, metalsmithing and jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking or sculpture. These concentrations are supported by courses in art history and a comprehensive foundations program consisting of courses in drawing, 2-D and 3-D design, and digital media. The Studio Art curriculum encourages and fosters creative exploration and an interdisciplinary approach. This degree is an excellent option for students who plan to minor in a related discipline, such as art history, or double-major in another department.

Foundation Courses in Art

A strong foundation is essential to understanding the basic concepts you will use in your study of art. Therefore, you will begin your course of study by completing seven foundations courses in drawing, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design and digital media during your first four semesters. While completing the foundations program, you will select your concentration and review a plan of study with your art faculty advisor.​

Studio Art BFA - Admission, Retention and Course Requirements

Studio Art BA - Admission, Retention and Course Requirements

Course Descriptions

Are you an art transfer student? We have a portfolio review process that will assist you in transferring your credits.

Upon completion of the Studio Art BA/BFA programs, students will be able to: 

• demonstrate visual literacy, including competency with the nonverbal languages of art and design
• generate visual, verbal and written responses to visual phenomena and organize their perceptions and conceptualizations both rationally and intuitively
• identify and solve problems within a variety of physical, technological, social and cultural contexts
• demonstrate competency in a number of art or design techniques
• discuss major achievements in the history of art/design, including the works and intentions of leading artists/designers in the past and present
• understand and evaluate contemporary thinking about art or design
• make valid assessments of the quality and effectiveness of design projects and works of art, especially their own

If you are already part of a different degree program, you may opt expand your undergraduate studies and career path by completing the Minor in Studio Art. You will develop visual literacy, critical thinking, and creative problem solving skills through five Foundations courses and two courses in one of our eight concentration areas.

Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.

Studio Art Minor Course Requirements